By: Jordan Stoddart
SCARBOROUGH - The Centennial Colts outlasted the La Cite Coyotes 83-70 behind a game-high 21 points from Jacob Macalalad as he shot 7-for-15 from the field, including 4-for-8 from three-point range. After early offensive struggles from both teams, they managed to turn things around in the second half of the first quarter.
"Once I see the first one go in, then I know I am going to be hitting all my shots," said Macalalad.
The Colts (2-2) executed the full court press and forced 19 turnovers. Macalalad came off the bench and immediately was able to get into the paint, as he created numerous opportunities for the Colts offence.
The Coyotes (0-4) had fits with Macalalad's aggressive play, as the second-year guard added 12 points in the first half. Colts guard Mike Jonathan would beat a Coyote defender off the dribble and convert a layup to give the Colts a 10-point lead heading into halftime, 39-29.
In the second half Colts forward Covaun Armstrong would have back-to-back key plays. First he would spot up in the corner and drain a three-pointer, then he showed off the midrange game by stopping on a dime and swishing a jumper from the elbow to give the Colts a 15-point lead.
Armstrong would not stop there, he would throw the ball up to Tayeshaun Crawford, who would miss an alley-oop attempt but Armstrong would clean up the mess with an easy score. The next play Armstrong would display his defensive awareness by taking a charge from a Coyote player.
Armstrong scored 19 points and went 3-for-6 from beyond the arc. The Colts were +18 from three-point range, and it proved to be the difference in the game.
In the fourth quarter the Coyotes trimmed the lead to 10, but Ambrosio Ndongala would hit a three-pointer and make a layup to stretch the lead back to 15. Ndongala finished the game with 13 points and four steals.
Coyotes center Bamba Propere proved to be a menace on the boards, as he produced a double-double pouring 18 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.
The Colts second game of their home back-to-back is tomorrow against the Algonquin Wolves at 3pm.
Check out a post-game interview with Jacob Macalalad here.